Global Optimization of Sparse Pencil Beams with Constrained Dynamic Range Ratio

Array pattern with reduced dynamic range ratio (DRR) of excitation coefficients simplifies the design of array's feeding network. However, constraining DRR pushes small coefficients towards higher values, which might not be optimal from the array-pattern point-of-view. Better results are expected by setting these coefficients to zero, what leads to a sparse design. In this paper, we present a method for global optimization of sparse linear pencil beams with constrained DRR. The method is suitable for calculating coefficients for the hardware at hand whose feeding network supports specified DRR and allows disabling of the antenna elements.